10 Coolest Cars for Less Than $18,000

Fortunately, the auto world's definition of cool has conformed to economic reality in recent years.

What's so cool about driving around in a box that looks almost exactly like the Nissan Cube, the Scion xB or the recently departed Honda Element? Not a thing, which is why Kia gave the Soul an overdue overhaul in 2012 that streamlined its front and rear body, kicked its output up to 138 horsepower and improved its efficiency to a combined 31 miles per gallon. The nine-color palate, mix-and-match accent plates and audio and sunroof upgrades still remain, but it's the Soul's versatile 60/40 rear seating and 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space (53.4 with the rear seats down) that makes it an ideal surf shack, bike shuttle or city shopping companion.